COVID-19 Vaccination

Para obtener información sobre las vacunas contra el COVID-19, haga clic aquí.

Public health departments in the Coastal Health District are now offering the updated COVID vaccine for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. Supplies are limited in some locations as vaccine shipments continue to arrive, so call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment.

The health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties will offer the Pfizer brand of COVID vaccine which is approved for use in individuals 5 years of age and older.

Vaccination is particularly beneficial for adults age 65 and older and individuals of any age with health conditions that increase their risk of getting very sick from COVID infection. Risk factors include cancer, lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, and more. For a list of potential risk factors for COVID-related complications, visit the website cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors.

No prescription is needed to receive a COVID vaccine. According to the latest CDC guidance, individuals may make their own informed decisions after receiving information about the COVID vaccine.

The cost of COVID vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans, and low-cost vaccination options are available for individuals without health insurance coverage.

More questions? Click here to read our FAQ about COVID vaccination.

Additional Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

The Coastal Health District has free at-home COVID-19 test kits available at our county health departments and CARE centers in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties.

The tests, also called over-the-counter tests or self-tests, can be taken anywhere. These rapid antigen tests give results in just a few minutes and do not need to be dropped off at a laboratory.

To get a free at-home test kit, visit one of our health departments during clinic hours and request a test kit. Household limits apply. You do not have to provide health insurance information and no ID checks are required.

When & How To Use a Self-Test Kit

Use the kit right away if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, test at least 5 days after your exposure. If you test negative, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after your first test.
If you’re going to an indoor event or gathering, consider testing right before the event. This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including children who cannot get vaccinated yet.
Each test kit will come with instructions for collecting and testing a nasal specimen. If you do not follow the manufacturers instructions, the test result may be incorrect.
Need More Information? Find videos of manufacturer instructions for your specific self-test.

Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick

There are actions you can take to reduce the risk of infecting others when you’re sick with a respiratory virus. It’s especially important to take precautions from infecting people who are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illness.

Precautions to Prevent Spreading Illness

Georgia Coastal Health District